Bruno Fernandes of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 11, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.placeholder image
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Jose Alvalade on October 11, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. | Getty Images
More Man Utd players were in action on Saturday night for their respective countries
There are international games scheduled right up until Tuesday night. Those United players on international duty will have more time to recover from their exploits as they do not face Liverpool until Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils went into the international break on a high after beating Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford and on their return to action will seek to pick up a first away win of the campaign. Liverpool have lost their last three games in all competitions but have a perfect record at home so far this term.
Bruno Fernandes withdrawn before Portugal grab late winner
United captain Bruno Fernandes was in action for Portugal on Saturday night as they took one step closer to the World Cup with a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty saved with Fernandes playing 86 minutes before being subbed off.
Fernandes did create three chances for Portugal and had four shots, one of which hit the target while two were blocked and one was off target. Ruben Neves scored a 91st winner to put Portugal in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup.
If they beat Hungary in their next outing and Armenia fail to win against Ireland, then Portugal’s place at the World Cup will be secured with two games of qualifying to spare. Man City midfielder Bernardo Silva also featured for Portugal as he played the full game and made the most tackles.
Altay Bayindir benched as Turkey batter Bulgaria
Elsewhere, United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir was left on the bench as Turkey hammered Bulgaria 6-1 away from home. The game was level at 1-1 at half time after Turkey took the lead after 11 minutes only for Bulgaria to hit back two minutes later.
However, three goals in the first 11 minutes of the second-half put Turkey in control as they scored a further two goals to seal victory. They remain second in their qualifying group, three points behind Spain who have a perfect record after three games.
Up next for Turkey is a home clash with Georgia were a win could all-but seal second place which should be enough for them to earn a play-off in their bid to qualify for the World Cup.
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